asked the Minister of Power what study has been made of the design of electricity pylons to make them as inoffensive as possible to the amenities of rural areas.

The design of pylons has been the subject of considerable study by the Central Electricity Generating Board and its predecessors, who have had the advice of eminent architects such as Sir William Holford, Sir Percy Thomas, the late Mr. A. G. Henderson and the late Sir Reginald Blomfield.

Nevertheless, is my hon. Friend aware that these pylons come as something of a shock to people who see them for the first time, and that they will do so when they are placed in new areas? Will he have another look at the French design, which in some respects seems superior to ours?

I am sure that the Chairman of the Generating Board will take note of what my hon. Friend has said. I agree that these large, high towers are not welcome intruders in the countryside. On the other hand, there is the question of the tremendous cost of the alternative.